By Faruk Tokat
PORT LOUIS, Mauritius (AA) – Mauritius' Vice-Prime Minister Mohammad Anwar Husnoo emphasized the deep-rooted relationship between Türkiye and Mauritius, noting that it dates back nearly 200 years.
Speaking to Anadolu at an event in Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, Husnoo said: "We have a 200-year history with Turkey," underlining that this relationship will strengthen even further in the future.
Noting that the first mosque in Mauritius was built in 1805 and that the mosque Imam Gassy Sobdar contacted the Ottoman Emperor in the 1830s.
"Nearly 200 years ago, they reached out to the Ottoman emperor for the appointment of an imam in Mauritius. Therefore, we have a long-standing history," he said.
- Mauritius helped Türkiye during World War I
During World War I, Muslims and the entire population of Mauritius contributed to helping Türkiye during its difficult situation. "The relationship between Mauritius and Turkey has existed for nearly 200 years and has always been there," Husnoo said.
Husnoo further said that recently, the relationship between the two countries may have slowed down a bit, but since Mauritius’ Honorary Consul to Türkiye and Founding Honorary President of the Friends of Türkiye Association Ahmet Kemal Oncu arrived in the country, efforts have been made to revitalize it.
"The Mauritian government has agreed for Ahmed Kemal to be the honorary consul of Mauritius in Ankara. We are now just waiting for the approval of the Turkish authorities.”
Husnoo emphasized the importance of trade relations and noted that there is a free trade agreement between Mauritius and Türkiye.
He also mentioned that Turkish Airlines' regular flights to Mauritius help develop the tourism industry.
- Collaboration on global issues such as Gaza war
Highlighting the importance of cultural exchanges and people-to-people ties, Husnoo said: "We need to enhance the relationship between the Mauritian and Turkish populations. Once we establish people-to-people relationships, other aspects such as business and tourism will also develop in the future."
He also stressed the importance of collaboration on regional and global issues, pointing to the current situation in the Gaza Strip. "Mauritius, like Turkey, supports the case brought by South Africa to the International Court of Justice regarding the genocide happening in Gaza. We hope the international community will come together to bring a cease-fire in Gaza.”
Addressing the Turkish people, Husnoo called for the development of people-to-people relationships. "Mauritius is open to investment. You can come and invest in Mauritius. It is very important. We can also develop cultural relations gradually."
•Writing by Seda Sevencan